Monte Carlo Harbor

Check out these magnificent yachts docked in Monte Carlo Harbor, the rich-and-famous playground that served as a location for the James Bond movie GoldenEye. Take in the impressive sights of rococo buildings and mountains on the Bateau Bus (water taxi) or hop aboard a yacht cruise. 9601280

Check out these magnificent yachts docked in Monte Carlo Harbor, the rich-and-famous playground that served as a location for the James Bond movie GoldenEye. Take in the impressive sights of rococo buildings and mountains on the Bateau Bus (water taxi) or hop aboard a yacht cruise.

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Oceanographic Museum

Oceanographic Museum

Rising from the cliff-side rocks, the Oceanographic Museum is home to a treasure trove of sea life: seahorses, sharks, cuttlefish, sea cucumbers and more. The building itself is a monumental work of art: It took 11 years to build, using 100,000 tons of stone from southeastern France. The museum marked its 100th anniversary in 2010.9601280

Rising from the cliff-side rocks, the Oceanographic Museum is home to a treasure trove of sea life: seahorses, sharks, cuttlefish, sea cucumbers and more. The building itself is a monumental work of art: It took 11 years to build, using 100,000 tons of stone from southeastern France. The museum marked its 100th anniversary in 2010.

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Prince’s Palace of Monaco

Prince’s Palace of Monaco

Take a tour of the Prince’s Palace. For the past 700 years, these stately grounds have been home to the Grimaldi dynasty -- most notably, the late Prince Rainier III and the glamorous movie star-turned-princess, Grace Kelly. The palace’s state rooms are open to the public during the summer.9601280

Take a tour of the Prince’s Palace. For the past 700 years, these stately grounds have been home to the Grimaldi dynasty -- most notably, the late Prince Rainier III and the glamorous movie star-turned-princess, Grace Kelly. The palace’s state rooms are open to the public during the summer.

Monaco Press Centre Photos

Hotel de Paris

Hotel de Paris

Relax in the heart of Monaco at the Hotel de Paris. This luxury resort hotel opened in 1863; today it’s regularly listed on the annual Conde Nast Traveler Gold List. Strike gold with exceptional dining (3 restaurant choices, showcasing Mediterranean gourmet dishes), along with airy, spacious rooms like this. 9601280

Relax in the heart of Monaco at the Hotel de Paris. This luxury resort hotel opened in 1863; today it’s regularly listed on the annual Conde Nast Traveler Gold List. Strike gold with exceptional dining (3 restaurant choices, showcasing Mediterranean gourmet dishes), along with airy, spacious rooms like this.

Hotel de Paris

Opera de Monte Carlo

Opera de Monte Carlo

Take in a performance at the Opera de Monte Carlo. The opera house opened in 1879, commissioned by the Grimaldi family to showcase Monte Carlo as more than a Riviera playground. Today the opera house presents classical musical performances, ballet and philharmonic acts -- all from the small-yet-luxurious comfort of this 524-seat auditorium. 9601280

Take in a performance at the Opera de Monte Carlo. The opera house opened in 1879, commissioned by the Grimaldi family to showcase Monte Carlo as more than a Riviera playground. Today the opera house presents classical musical performances, ballet and philharmonic acts -- all from the small-yet-luxurious comfort of this 524-seat auditorium.

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Palace Changing of the Guards

Palace Changing of the Guards

Round the clock, these officers stand guard outside of the Prince’s Palace of Monaco. See the stately Changing of the Guard each day at 11:55 a.m. The guards themselves are composed of an infantry division with 119 officers and sentry. Their motto: “Honor, loyalty, devotion.”9601280

Round the clock, these officers stand guard outside of the Prince’s Palace of Monaco. See the stately Changing of the Guard each day at 11:55 a.m. The guards themselves are composed of an infantry division with 119 officers and sentry. Their motto: “Honor, loyalty, devotion.”

Monaco Press Centre

Larvotto Beach

Larvotto Beach

Soak up the sun on Larvotto Beach. Set against a backdrop of luxury apartment buildings, this glamorous beach is home to high-end restaurants showcasing seasonal local seafood (grilled sardines, mussels and more), as well as jet-ski and sea-kayak rentals to cool off in the refreshing Mediterranean waters. 9601280

Soak up the sun on Larvotto Beach. Set against a backdrop of luxury apartment buildings, this glamorous beach is home to high-end restaurants showcasing seasonal local seafood (grilled sardines, mussels and more), as well as jet-ski and sea-kayak rentals to cool off in the refreshing Mediterranean waters.

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Le Metropole Shopping Center

Le Metropole Shopping Center

You can’t leave Monaco without doing some shopping, so head to the Metropole! This shopping gallery spans 3 floors, with 80 boutiques (and names like Kenzo and Swarovski) that define exclusive. Lest all this proves too pricey for your credit card, there’s always plenty of window-shopping to enjoy, accompanied by glittering period chandeliers.9601280

You can’t leave Monaco without doing some shopping, so head to the Metropole! This shopping gallery spans 3 floors, with 80 boutiques (and names like Kenzo and Swarovski) that define exclusive. Lest all this proves too pricey for your credit card, there’s always plenty of window-shopping to enjoy, accompanied by glittering period chandeliers.

Le Metropole Shopping Center

Monte Carlo Casino

Monte Carlo Casino

"Bond, James Bond." It's here, at the Monte Carlo Casino, that our favorite British spy uttered those words. Step into this world of cool, decadent entertainment, and try your hand at blackjack, stud poker and Trente et Quarante, a 17th-century gambling card game that hails from France … you might just win. 9601280

"Bond, James Bond." It's here, at the Monte Carlo Casino, that our favorite British spy uttered those words. Step into this world of cool, decadent entertainment, and try your hand at blackjack, stud poker and Trente et Quarante, a 17th-century gambling card game that hails from France … you might just win.

Monte-Carlo S.B.M.

Monaco Grand Prix

Monaco Grand Prix

Take a supercar test-drive at the Monaco Grand Prix. Held each year on the Circuit de Monaco, the race has attracted a bevy of Hollywood A-listers through the years, including film producer George Lucas and actor Leonardo di Caprio. The first run began in 1929; today the annual race makes up the Triple Crown of the racing world.9601280

Take a supercar test-drive at the Monaco Grand Prix. Held each year on the Circuit de Monaco, the race has attracted a bevy of Hollywood A-listers through the years, including film producer George Lucas and actor Leonardo di Caprio. The first run began in 1929; today the annual race makes up the Triple Crown of the racing world.

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Helicopter Tour of Monte Carlo

Helicopter Tour of Monte Carlo

Feel like James Bond and see Monaco by helicopter! Take in incredible aerial views of Monte Carlo’s most jaw-dropping attractions -- the Prince’s Palace, the Monte Carlo Casino and the Monaco Grand Prix racetrack -- along with the sheer beauty of this stretch of French Riviera coastline.9601280

Feel like James Bond and see Monaco by helicopter! Take in incredible aerial views of Monte Carlo’s most jaw-dropping attractions -- the Prince’s Palace, the Monte Carlo Casino and the Monaco Grand Prix racetrack -- along with the sheer beauty of this stretch of French Riviera coastline.

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Prince of Monaco’s Vintage Car Collection

Prince of Monaco’s Vintage Car Collection

A prince needs his cars. See nearly 100 classic cars of all makes and models that make up this high-priced collection. How pricey? When the Prince of Monaco auctioned off 38 cars from his massive collection, the asking price for one of the oldest was about $43,000. See the luxury car collection yourself at the Terraces de Fontvieille, a museum and multipurpose hall.9601280

A prince needs his cars. See nearly 100 classic cars of all makes and models that make up this high-priced collection. How pricey? When the Prince of Monaco auctioned off 38 cars from his massive collection, the asking price for one of the oldest was about $43,000. See the luxury car collection yourself at the Terraces de Fontvieille, a museum and multipurpose hall.

George Buhnici, flickr

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Monte Carlo Casino

Go big or go home! Visit the Monte Carlo Casino, a gambling and entertainment complex that includes a casino, the Grand Theatre de Monte Carlo and the office of Les Ballets de Monte Carlo. European and English roulette, Poker Texas Hold ‘Em Ultimate, craps, blackjack and slot machines are just few ways you win big -- if you’re lucky.9601280

Go big or go home! Visit the Monte Carlo Casino, a gambling and entertainment complex that includes a casino, the Grand Theatre de Monte Carlo and the office of Les Ballets de Monte Carlo. European and English roulette, Poker Texas Hold ‘Em Ultimate, craps, blackjack and slot machines are just few ways you win big -- if you’re lucky.

Monte-Carlo S.B.M.

French Riviera Tour

French Riviera Tour

Take a guided tour of the glamorous French Riviera and Monte Carlo, one of four traditional quarters in Monaco. Monte Carlo is also the ward where the Monte Carlo Casino is located. In addition to the casino, visitors should see and experience must-see sights including Le Metropole Shopping Center, Larvotto Beach, the Monaco Grand Prix, the Oceanographic Museum and the Exotic Garden of Monaco.9601280

Take a guided tour of the glamorous French Riviera and Monte Carlo, one of four traditional quarters in Monaco. Monte Carlo is also the ward where the Monte Carlo Casino is located. In addition to the casino, visitors should see and experience must-see sights including Le Metropole Shopping Center, Larvotto Beach, the Monaco Grand Prix, the Oceanographic Museum and the Exotic Garden of Monaco.

Monte-Carlo S.B.M.

Prince's Palace of Monaco

Prince's Palace of Monaco

Rub elbows with a prince or just visit the home of Prince Albert II, the son and successor to Prince Rainier. Built in 1191 as a fortress, the Prince’s Palace of Monaco is a popular tourist attraction. The state rooms are open to the public during the summer. We recommended listening to the Monte-Carlo Philharmonic Orchestra perform an open-air concert in the palace’s courtyard.9601280

Rub elbows with a prince or just visit the home of Prince Albert II, the son and successor to Prince Rainier. Built in 1191 as a fortress, the Prince’s Palace of Monaco is a popular tourist attraction. The state rooms are open to the public during the summer. We recommended listening to the Monte-Carlo Philharmonic Orchestra perform an open-air concert in the palace’s courtyard.

Monaco Press Centre Photos

Nice, France

Nice, France

Fly into the Nice Cote d'Azur International Airport before heading to Monaco. Go shopping, sample the local cuisine, go sightseeing and make sure you visit Castle Hill, Musee National Marc Chagall, Old Town, Cours Saleya Market and Parc du Chateau. Wrap up your day by watching the sunset while strolling along the Promenade des Anglais, a famous street along Nice’s Mediterranean waterfront.9601280

Fly into the Nice Cote d'Azur International Airport before heading to Monaco. Go shopping, sample the local cuisine, go sightseeing and make sure you visit Castle Hill, Musee National Marc Chagall, Old Town, Cours Saleya Market and Parc du Chateau. Wrap up your day by watching the sunset while strolling along the Promenade des Anglais, a famous street along Nice’s Mediterranean waterfront.

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Fairmont Monte Carlo

Fairmont Monte Carlo

One of the largest resorts in Europe, the Fairmont Monte Carlo has more than 600 guest rooms, residences and suites, two restaurants, a bar, shopping center, in-house casino, award-winning Willow Stream Spa and a rooftop pool for you to enjoy views of the French Riviera.9601280

One of the largest resorts in Europe, the Fairmont Monte Carlo has more than 600 guest rooms, residences and suites, two restaurants, a bar, shopping center, in-house casino, award-winning Willow Stream Spa and a rooftop pool for you to enjoy views of the French Riviera.

Fairmont Monte Carlo

Monte Carlo Harbor

Monte Carlo Harbor

The Monte Carlo Harbor has some of the most luxurious scenery that Monaco has to offer. It’s a great place to take a leisurely stroll among the impressive yachts and beautiful buildings. The harbor is thriving, with cruise ships, fishing crews and dozens of restaurants and bars in case you need to make a pit stop along the way. We recommend a $2-ride on the Bateau Bus (water taxi) to really take in all the sights while you relax.9601280

The Monte Carlo Harbor has some of the most luxurious scenery that Monaco has to offer. It’s a great place to take a leisurely stroll among the impressive yachts and beautiful buildings. The harbor is thriving, with cruise ships, fishing crews and dozens of restaurants and bars in case you need to make a pit stop along the way. We recommend a $2-ride on the Bateau Bus (water taxi) to really take in all the sights while you relax.

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Le Louis XV

Le Louis XV

The cuisine at Le Louis XV restaurant is inspired by the French Riviera and Italian Riviera. A meal here isn’t for travelers on a budget. For lunch, two dishes, cheese, dessert, coffee and wines selected by the restaurant’s sommeliers will easily rack up a $190 check at the end of your meal. A jacket is required and tie recommended.9601280

The cuisine at Le Louis XV restaurant is inspired by the French Riviera and Italian Riviera. A meal here isn’t for travelers on a budget. For lunch, two dishes, cheese, dessert, coffee and wines selected by the restaurant’s sommeliers will easily rack up a $190 check at the end of your meal. A jacket is required and tie recommended.

Thomas Dhellemmes

Restaurant Joel Robuchon Monte Carlo

Restaurant Joel Robuchon Monte Carlo

Located at Hotel Metropole, Restaurant Joel Robuchon Monte Carlo is a dining experience not to be missed. Sample the French cuisine with a fresh Mediterranean twist. This restaurant is one of two owned by world-renowned French chef Joel Robuchon. For travelers who enjoy Japanese cuisine, try Yoshi, Chef Robuchon’s other restaurant also located in Monte Carlo, and expect to pay $250 per person.9601280

Located at Hotel Metropole, Restaurant Joel Robuchon Monte Carlo is a dining experience not to be missed. Sample the French cuisine with a fresh Mediterranean twist. This restaurant is one of two owned by world-renowned French chef Joel Robuchon. For travelers who enjoy Japanese cuisine, try Yoshi, Chef Robuchon’s other restaurant also located in Monte Carlo, and expect to pay $250 per person.

Hotel Metropole

Casino Café de Paris

Casino Café de Paris

Increase your chances of winning big! Visit the Casino Café de Paris on Place du Casino, where a jackpot is paid out every seven minutes! This casino has 1,200 slot machines -- the largest array of slot machines on the Riviera -- including video poker, roller machines, roller videos and wide-area progressives like the Star Wars Jackpot, which includes bets placed at the Sun Casino, Casino Café de Paris and Bay Casino. The pot starts at 500,000 euros (or more than $662,000).9601280

Increase your chances of winning big! Visit the Casino Café de Paris on Place du Casino, where a jackpot is paid out every seven minutes! This casino has 1,200 slot machines -- the largest array of slot machines on the Riviera -- including video poker, roller machines, roller videos and wide-area progressives like the Star Wars Jackpot, which includes bets placed at the Sun Casino, Casino Café de Paris and Bay Casino. The pot starts at 500,000 euros (or more than $662,000).

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River Cruise on the Seine

Spend some quality time with someone you love while you cruise along the magnificent Seine River. Thirty-seven bridges run along the river in Paris, like the Pont Alexandre III, the city’s most ornate, extravagant bridge. And if you’re lucky enough to visit Paris in summer, make sure you enjoy the three artificial beaches set up along the river. Sand, palm trees, beach chairs and chaise longues are brought in to create “Paris Beach,” which is usually set up from late July to mid-August.9601280

Spend some quality time with someone you love while you cruise along the magnificent Seine River. Thirty-seven bridges run along the river in Paris, like the Pont Alexandre III, the city’s most ornate, extravagant bridge. And if you’re lucky enough to visit Paris in summer, make sure you enjoy the three artificial beaches set up along the river. Sand, palm trees, beach chairs and chaise longues are brought in to create “Paris Beach,” which is usually set up from late July to mid-August.

aldorado / shutterstock.com

Eiffel Tower

Eiffel Tower

Explore the City of Light by taking a Paris sightseeing tour of its not-to-be-missed attractions, including the Eiffel Tower, the Louvre, Georges Pompidou Center, Notre Dame de Paris, Basilica of the Sacre Coeur and Palais Garnier.9601280

Explore the City of Light by taking a Paris sightseeing tour of its not-to-be-missed attractions, including the Eiffel Tower, the Louvre, Georges Pompidou Center, Notre Dame de Paris, Basilica of the Sacre Coeur and Palais Garnier.

extravagantni, Getty Images

Bistrot Paul Bert

Bistrot Paul Bert

Looking for a traditional French bistro? Get a bite to eat at Bistrot Paul Bert, but call ahead for dinner reservations because the restaurant’s two dining rooms are always crowded at night. An impressively stocked wine cellar, cheese cart, hearty dishes and laid-back, efficient staff are all reasons why you visit this bistro. For about $50, guests have the option of getting the prix fixe, which is three courses. Inexpensive wines are on the chalkboard, whereas expensive ones are on the wine list.9601280

Looking for a traditional French bistro? Get a bite to eat at Bistrot Paul Bert, but call ahead for dinner reservations because the restaurant’s two dining rooms are always crowded at night. An impressively stocked wine cellar, cheese cart, hearty dishes and laid-back, efficient staff are all reasons why you visit this bistro. For about $50, guests have the option of getting the prix fixe, which is three courses. Inexpensive wines are on the chalkboard, whereas expensive ones are on the wine list.

Rob Hyndman, flickr

Hotel Plaza Athenee Paris

Hotel Plaza Athenee Paris

Located near the Champs-Élysées and the Eiffel Tower, Hotel Plaza Athenee Paris has five restaurants, 12 categories of rooms and suites, a well-stocked mini bar in each room, a cellar with more than 35,000 bottles of wine and more! You can’t miss getting a luxurious spa treatment at the Dior Institut au Plaza Athenee, either.9601280

Located near the Champs-Élysées and the Eiffel Tower, Hotel Plaza Athenee Paris has five restaurants, 12 categories of rooms and suites, a well-stocked mini bar in each room, a cellar with more than 35,000 bottles of wine and more! You can’t miss getting a luxurious spa treatment at the Dior Institut au Plaza Athenee, either.

Fred Dufour, AFP, Getty Images

Champs-Elysees Shopping

Champs-Elysees Shopping

Go shopping along the Champs-Elysees. This area has a little something for everyone. Big spenders can shop at high-end shops like Hugo Boss, Christian Louboutin, Swarovski and Peugeot Avenue Paris. And there are more reasonably priced spots for frugal shoppers like Gap. Take a break from shopping in Paris and visit the Arc de Triomphe or indulge yourself at a nearby restaurant -- you’ll instantly realize why this is a prime area for people watching.9601280

Go shopping along the Champs-Elysees. This area has a little something for everyone. Big spenders can shop at high-end shops like Hugo Boss, Christian Louboutin, Swarovski and Peugeot Avenue Paris. And there are more reasonably priced spots for frugal shoppers like Gap. Take a break from shopping in Paris and visit the Arc de Triomphe or indulge yourself at a nearby restaurant -- you’ll instantly realize why this is a prime area for people watching.

Christian Guy/Picavet, Getty Images

Parisian Bakery

Parisian Bakery

Take a two-hour Parisian bakery workshop and discover how real French bread is made! Go behind the scenes of a real French bakery to learn how to make baguettes and croissants. And then, enjoy tasting your bread -- fresh out of the oven.9601280

Take a two-hour Parisian bakery workshop and discover how real French bread is made! Go behind the scenes of a real French bakery to learn how to make baguettes and croissants. And then, enjoy tasting your bread -- fresh out of the oven.

Le Meurice

Le Meurice

Stay at the five-star Le Meurice Paris, where all rooms and suites feature a private entrance, private bar with refrigerator, twice daily maid service, digital interactive television system, traditional shoeshine service and more. For $128, the hotel’s wine tasting allows guests the chance to savor the best French wines, picked by the head sommelier. This hotel is just a short walk away from a few tourist attractions, including the Louvre, Place de La Concorde and Musee d’Orsay.9601280

Stay at the five-star Le Meurice Paris, where all rooms and suites feature a private entrance, private bar with refrigerator, twice daily maid service, digital interactive television system, traditional shoeshine service and more. For $128, the hotel’s wine tasting allows guests the chance to savor the best French wines, picked by the head sommelier. This hotel is just a short walk away from a few tourist attractions, including the Louvre, Place de La Concorde and Musee d’Orsay.

Le Meurice

Tuileries Palace and Garden

Tuileries Palace and Garden

Visitors to the Tuileries Palace and Garden instantly realize why this crowded spot is THE place to be in the spring and summer. During the weekend, it’s not uncommon to see locals lying on the lawn and chatting with friends while thousands walk through the gardens and the palace’s grounds. After the death of her husband Henri II in 1559, Catherine de Medicis had the palace built, featuring a large Italian-style garden to remind her of her home in Tuscany.9601280

Visitors to the Tuileries Palace and Garden instantly realize why this crowded spot is THE place to be in the spring and summer. During the weekend, it’s not uncommon to see locals lying on the lawn and chatting with friends while thousands walk through the gardens and the palace’s grounds. After the death of her husband Henri II in 1559, Catherine de Medicis had the palace built, featuring a large Italian-style garden to remind her of her home in Tuscany.

Consol Almazán Carretero, Getty Images

Casino de Paris

Casino de Paris

Contrary to what the name might suggest, Casino de Paris is a well-known music and performance hall, and not a gambling casino. After it was built in 1730, the building served many purposes, including being used as a fireworks display venue, before it was converted into a cinema and music hall. African-American actress and singer Josephine Baker was one of many notable people to perform at Casino de Paris.9601280

Contrary to what the name might suggest, Casino de Paris is a well-known music and performance hall, and not a gambling casino. After it was built in 1730, the building served many purposes, including being used as a fireworks display venue, before it was converted into a cinema and music hall. African-American actress and singer Josephine Baker was one of many notable people to perform at Casino de Paris.

Loic Venance / AFP / Getty Images

Four Seasons Hotel George V

Four Seasons Hotel George V

Experience the elegant charm of the Four Seasons Hotel George V, located just steps away from the Champs-Elysees. Swim a few laps in the indoor pool, enjoy eating a classic French meal at Le Cinq restaurant or get a four-hands massage at the spa. For families in Paris, the hotel provides babysitting services as well as a staff on-hand to provide personalized programs for younger guests both in the hotel and around Paris.

Experience the elegant charm of the Four Seasons Hotel George V, located just steps away from the Champs-Elysees. Swim a few laps in the indoor pool, enjoy eating a classic French meal at Le Cinq restaurant or get a four-hands massage at the spa. For families in Paris, the hotel provides babysitting services as well as a staff on-hand to provide personalized programs for younger guests both in the hotel and around Paris.